This is a page with general info on the regeneration project for Finca Milagros. See the regeneration chronicles for more frequent and detailed updates.
FINCA MILAGROS
Finca Milagros is 15 hectares in Barichara. It was owned by a local family for generations and the Guane people likely lived here before then.
Finca Milagros found us in the fall of 2021. It was love at first sight and a deep sense that this land wanted us. Through a series of miracles, we were able to sign the papers in 2022. We moved into our tiny house here on winter solstice the same year. (1)
REGENERATING MILAGROS
In 2023, we started the regeneration project for Milagros. First, in consultation with local experts (Oswaldo, Carlos, and mainly Jessica L.) and with the help of one worker (Kike) and occasionally his sons.
Then, from October of, in cooperation with Fundación Guayacanal. They will help us with planning, designing, and implementing the regeneration project. This is part of a carbon-offset program where corporations finance tree planting, and Milagros is one of several fincas in the area that has joined the program.
The plan right now is to create and support a diverse native forest and a food forest, starting in the most barren areas. The next phase is to create more diversity in less degraded areas. The food forest will produce food for animals and humans, and we may also include a self-guided path (ecotourism) through different types of ecosystems and with different kinds of views. This is a ten-year project.
I will continue to post updates here.
GALLERY
NOTES
(1) This simple description glosses over a lot of detail. Why did we call it Milagros (Miracles)? Mainly, because the land feels alive and magical. And also because it was a miracle that we were able to buy it and that we are receiving this help in supporting it to regenerate and rewild. Milagros is the name of the canine companion of a friend (Jorge) in Barichara, so that helped us get the idea for the name. We had gone through a few other possibilities, including Brisa, which were OK but didn’t quite hit the spot.
We not only immediately fell in love with the land but felt a deep connection with it and that it wanted us there to protect it. I have not experienced that before or later. It really feels like the land is alive and communicates with us.
The land was “blind” and not connected to any road, so for a while, it seemed it wouldn’t happen. Just as we had given up and come to terms with it, we were able – through the help of a friend (Natalia) – to buy a small piece of land from a neighbor that would give us the possibility of car access.
Moving in on winter solstice was not planned but felt meaningful and symbolic.
The image is from one of the viewpoints on Milagros, facing a branch of Cañon del Chicamocha.